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Socapex

Amphenol Socapex is a manufacturer of high-performance electrical connectors and interconnection solutions, founded in 1947 and operating as a of the global Corporation, with a focus on reliable products designed for harsh environments in industries such as , , and entertainment. Originally established as a supplier of helmets for the shortly after , the company quickly pivoted to electrical equipment, with its core business centering on aviation interconnect solutions from its early years. Over the decades, Socapex expanded its portfolio to include circular connectors, connectors, harnesses, and Ethernet network solutions, while growing through innovations and acquisition by in 1985, which enhanced its global reach and technological capabilities. Today, headquartered in the , Socapex employs a dynamic team dedicated to designing and producing components that meet stringent and commercial standards, including next-generation offerings like the VITA 91 MIL HD2 connector. Among its most notable products is the original 19-pin SOCA connector, a circular multipin design specifically developed for applications, enabling efficient power distribution from dimmer boxes in the entertainment industry. The SL 61 series, an evolution of SOCA, provides versatile I/O options with backshell configurations for industrial and entertainment uses, underscoring Socapex's enduring influence in powering live events, theaters, and productions worldwide.

History

Origins of the company

Socapex was founded in 1947 in , near , , by Henri Ponsot, a former diplomat who became an entrepreneur in the electrical sector. Initially established as a supplier of helmets for the shortly after , the company quickly pivoted to electrical equipment, beginning by producing radio connectors as part of its initial focus on interconnection solutions. During the , Socapex developed a range of products including , radio connectors, microphones, and equipment. Its first major connector line, the TEI Series 58, was a rugged design originally licensed for U.S. forces during , highlighting the company's early specialization in durable components for demanding conditions. This emphasis on robust, environmentally resistant connectors positioned Socapex for broader industrial use. In the , Socapex experienced significant growth as a key provider of interconnection solutions for both and applications. The company expanded facilities, opening a unit in in 1956–1957, near Thyez in the region, to support increasing demand in harsh-environment technologies. By this decade, Socapex had established itself as a specialist in high-reliability connectors, including those compliant with standards like MIL-DTL-38999.

Development of the 19-pin connector

The SL61 series was introduced by Socapex in 1961, building on the company's established expertise in producing durable military-grade connectors since its founding in 1947 in Suresnes, France. This background in harsh-environment interconnect solutions enabled the development of robust designs suitable for demanding professional applications. Within the SL61 series, the 19-pin SOCA connector was specifically created to meet the entertainment industry's requirements for streamlined power distribution in setups. The primary motivation was to deliver a compact, high-strength, and lightweight circular connector capable of managing multiple circuits simultaneously, thereby reducing cable clutter and simplifying connections between racks and lighting fixtures in theaters, film sets, and live performances. The connector's 19-pin layout was engineered to support six independent circuits, with each circuit comprising one hot, one neutral, and one ground pin, while the additional pin functioned as an alignment guide for secure and precise mating. This configuration allowed for efficient transmission of mains voltage power without shared neutrals or grounds, enhancing safety and flexibility in multi-fixture installations. Following its launch, the SOCA connector saw rapid adoption in stage lighting applications, where it addressed the need for reliable, multi-circuit power handling in professional environments. By the mid-1960s, it had established itself as an industry standard for power distribution, with the term "Socapex" evolving into a genericized reference for compatible 19-pin connectors.

Acquisition by Amphenol

In 1986, Corporation acquired Socapex S.A., a connector of , for FFr 199 million (approximately $26 million), establishing it as a wholly owned dedicated to European manufacturing and leveraging its existing expertise in interconnect solutions. This integration allowed to expand its global footprint in specialized connectors while retaining Socapex's operational autonomy in , where it had been licensed to produce 's Bendix connector line since 1960. Following the acquisition, Socapex underwent significant expansion, including the scaling of production facilities in Thyez, —its primary site in the Mont Blanc region—and the later establishment of a manufacturing plant in , , to support growing international demand. By 2023, the workforce had expanded to over 1,400 employees across these sites, growing to more than 1,600 by 2025, enabling enhanced capacity for design, production, and quality control in harsh-environment interconnects. This facilitated Amphenol's broader strategy in and markets without disrupting Socapex's established European focus. Under Amphenol's ownership, Socapex maintained its product line, including the SL61 series (commonly known as the 19-pin Socapex connector introduced in 1961), alongside integration into Amphenol's and portfolios. The Socapex brand was preserved specifically for the SL61 series in applications, ensuring continuity for and broadcast users. In the and , key innovations included the launch of CTOS fiber optic connectors in 1990 and the RJ Field series of rugged Ethernet solutions in 2001, expanding Socapex's offerings into optical and data interconnects for demanding environments while safeguarding the enduring relevance of its legacy 19-pin connector in the sector. These developments strengthened Amphenol's position in high-reliability applications without phasing out Socapex's core heritage products.

Design and specifications

Pin configuration and wiring

The Socapex 19-pin connector features 19 pins arranged to support six independent electrical circuits, with six (live) pins (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11), six pins (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12), and seven / and pins (13–19). Pins 13–18 are typically wired to dedicated conductors per circuit for electrical , though in some non-US practices, these grounds may be commoned by linking them together; pin 19 serves as a central guide and is usually left unconnected, though rarely tied to a cable screen. This pin arrangement allows for the distribution of power to multiple devices with optional isolation of circuits to enhance and reliability. Standard wiring follows a grouped layout for the six s, where each uses dedicated pins: for example, 1 uses pin 1 (/live), pin 2 (), and pin 13 (); 2 uses pins 3, 4, and 14; and so on up to 6 with pins 11, 12, and 18. The following table illustrates the pin assignments:
Circuit/Live/
11213
23414
35615
47816
591017
6111218
According to specifications for the SL61 series (SLG 419AR), there are 12 power contacts and 7 first-make-last-break earth contacts. Wiring practices vary by region: independent grounds per circuit are standard in the to prevent shared faults, while common grounding (linking pins 13–18) is used in some setups. Color-coding conventions vary by region but commonly follow U.S. standards with black for hot/live, white for neutral, and green for ground, repeating across circuits to facilitate identification and assembly. Mechanical features enhance mating reliability, including interlocking keys available in 12 positions to prevent incorrect connections or rotation between halves. Contacts are designed for either or crimp termination, accommodating wire sizes of 12–14 AWG (2.0–2.45 mm²) to suit typical and applications. These elements collectively ensure secure, error-resistant wiring in demanding environments.

Electrical ratings and construction

The Socapex 19-pin connector is rated for 25 A per at 400 V , per specifications, enabling reliable power distribution across multiple channels in demanding applications. It supports a withstand of 1750 V to ensure integrity under stress. Contact is ≤ 0.002 Ω, minimizing power loss and generation during operation. Construction emphasizes durability through a machined aluminum shell, providing robust protection against mechanical impacts and environmental exposure. Contacts are gold-plated (size 12), offering resistance and stable conductivity over thousands of mating cycles. Sealing is achieved with inserts and , achieving IP67 rating for dust and water ingress protection when mated. Cable entry accommodates 12–14 AWG (up to 2.45 mm²) conductors via compression strain relief mechanisms, supporting multicore cables while maintaining electrical isolation. Safety is enhanced by UL and approvals, confirming compliance with international standards for electrical safety and . Features like first-make-last-break contacts reduce shock hazards, while protection is typically integrated via external circuit breakers in system setups. Operating temperatures range from -40°C to +85°C, ensuring performance in varied conditions.

Applications

Entertainment and stage lighting

Socapex connectors are widely utilized in the entertainment industry for powering setups, primarily serving as the interface between dimmer racks and lighting fixtures in theaters, concerts, and sets. This 19-pin design enables the transmission of six independent 20A circuits through a single multi-core cable, streamlining power distribution for complex arrays without the need for multiple individual cables. A key advantage of Socapex connectors in live performance environments is their ability to minimize stage clutter and reduce trip hazards by consolidating multiple power lines into one robust assembly, which is essential for the dynamic and space-constrained conditions of touring productions and temporary installations. Their rugged construction, featuring high-strength materials and secure locking mechanisms, allows them to endure frequent plugging and unplugging in high-traffic touring rigs, ensuring reliability during repeated setups and breakdowns. Since the 1970s, Socapex has become a standard in major entertainment venues worldwide, where consistent power delivery is critical for elaborate . In typical setups, these connectors are paired with 18-core multi-core cables rated at 2.5mm² cross-section, supporting runs up to 50 meters with minimal under standard loads, thereby accommodating long-distance connections from booths to overhead trusses.

Broadcast and other professional uses

In broadcast setups, Socapex 19-pin connectors are employed to distribute power in and studios, as well as in outside broadcast (OB) vans and mobile production trucks, where space constraints demand compact, organized cabling. These connectors facilitate the delivery of mains voltage across six independent circuits to equipment such as cameras, studio lights, and dimming consoles, ensuring uninterrupted operation during live transmissions or on-location shoots. For instance, in OB vans, the multi-circuit design supports efficient power routing to multiple devices without excessive cabling clutter, maintaining and safety in dynamic environments. Beyond core broadcast applications, Socapex connectors serve in and event production for high-current distribution to strobes, LED panels, and other fixtures in large-scale shoots or corporate gatherings. In , particularly during location shoots, a single Socapex multicable can consolidate feeds to multiple lights, simplifying setup and reducing the risk of cable tangles in confined or outdoor settings. Their modular breakouts, such as Socapex-to-Edison adapters, enable flexible and easy integration with standard outlets, enhancing adaptability in professional scenarios like trade shows or studio-based events. In industrial contexts, Socapex connectors find occasional use for temporary bulk in installations such as sites or exhibitions, where multi-circuit needs arise for powering tools or temporary lighting arrays. The connectors' robust , derived from military-grade heritage, provides durability against harsh conditions like and weather exposure, making them suitable for short-term, high-demand setups. This versatility stems from their ability to handle up to 25 A per while maintaining secure, keyed connections that prevent misalignment.

Variants and manufacturing

Compatible and alternative connectors

Several third-party brands produce 19-pin connectors that are fully compatible with Socapex designs, matching the standard footprint for interchangeable use in applications. Veam's VSC series threaded connectors are engineered to be Socapex compatible, featuring machined aluminum shells with a anodized finish for and IP67 sealing when mated. Whirlwind's SPX19 series provides metal-housed 19-pin connectors with solder-style gold-plated contacts, adhering to the Socapex standard for reliable power distribution. Phase 3's Showsafe range offers UL- and CE-listed 19-pin connectors, emphasizing safety and reliability for and touring setups as direct substitutes. Genericized alternatives, commonly known as "Soca-style" connectors, are manufactured by companies like Showline and , offering more affordable options while maintaining compatibility with the original Socapex SL61 benchmark. Showline's 19-pin connectors incorporate a proprietary design with 12 interlocking keys to ensure secure, non-spinning mating. 's 19-pin series is specifically designed for professional lighting, providing full interchangeability with Socapex SL419 configurations and similar performance characteristics. Adapters and breakout assemblies facilitate the integration of Socapex connectors into diverse systems, including transitions to camlock or IEC formats for hybrid power setups. Socapex-to-camlock power distribution boxes, such as those with 400A camlock inputs and multiple 19-pin outputs, enable efficient stage power routing. Breakout cords from Socapex male connectors to CEE (IEC) sockets, typically fanning out to six 16A outlets, support flexible distribution in entertainment environments. Many of these include multi-point gold contacts to improve connection reliability under demanding conditions. Compatibility across these products relies on the standardized mating interface and , which aligns the connectors precisely and prevents misalignment or rotation during engagement. The number of keys may vary by manufacturer. To ensure safe operation, users must verify suitability for the specific application and load requirements.

Current production and standards

Socapex maintains primary manufacturing operations for the SL61 series connectors, including the legacy 19-pin variant, at its facility in Thyez, , with secondary production at the site in , , supporting a combined of 24,000 m² across both locations. The production process involves precision machining of aluminum shells using advanced techniques such as 3D CAD and CNC operations to produce cylindrical components ranging from 10 to 90 mm in diameter, followed by automated assembly of inserts and contacts. Contacts undergo in dedicated workshops equipped for high-precision , ensuring low resistance and durability, while rigorous quality testing verifies electrical performance, mechanical integrity, and environmental resistance throughout the process. Production incorporates RoHS-compliant materials, limiting hazardous substances such as lead to 0.1% by weight and to 0.01% by weight, to meet EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements while preserving compatibility with legacy entertainment applications. Enhanced variants now include fiber optic options integrating high-speed MT ferrules and double Lux Beam termini for optical signal transmission, expanding utility in broadcast and industrial settings without altering the core 19-pin electrical configuration. The SL61 series adheres to key international standards, including UL recognition under file E160967 for specific arrangements like 37Y and 419AR, confirming compliance with component connector safety requirements for data, signal, and power applications. Monopiece backshell configurations achieve IP67 waterproofing, protecting against dust and immersion up to 1 meter, suitable for harsh entertainment and stage environments. Overall manufacturing quality is governed by ISO 9001 for general operations, EN 9100 for aerospace-grade precision, and EN 3645/IEC standards for connector performance and interchangeability, with ongoing certifications ensuring global export readiness.

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